Elizabeth Ann Haynes

Born Elizabeth Ann Pearson to Air Force Col. Joe Pearson Sr. and Claudia Pearson on Aug. 11, 1947, in Shreveport, LA., she was the younger of two children. Her brother Joe Pearson Jr. also preceded her in death.

Ann's generous, gracious, warm and nurturing heart blessed countless lives.

But most of all, Ann's love was for her husband of 40 years, Roger Haynes, and their son, Eric A. Haynes - their "#1 son."

Ann defied the odds her entire life, beginning at the age of 18 months, when she contracted polio. She spent two years at a Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center, where she again learned how to sit up and walk, defying doctor's predictions. Later, she learned how to swim and eventually float like no other. From then on, nothing held her back.

She graduated from Texas A & I University now Texas A & M in Kingsville. Shortly after college, while teaching first grade at Montgomery Elementary School, she married her life-long love, Roger.

After the birth of their son, she made the decision to leave teaching so she could be Eric's mommy full-time.

She and Roger enjoyed traveling - finding joy in expeditions ranging from road trips to journeys to Hawaii, Alaska and Europe.

Ann's other hobbies included bird watching, reading she often would stay up late through the night, unable to put a good book down and making intricate greeting cards for friends and family - each one a work of art, a demonstration of her vivid creative spirit and yet one more expression of love.

Dinners with Ann and Roger always meant a thoughtful, well-planned meal with much attention to detail - whether it was an "it's nothing special" weekday dinner or a holiday feast.

Ann ensured their welcoming, Hill Country-style home looked immaculate and inviting, with each season and holiday ushered in with just the right flourish of decorations.

It was at Christmas, though, when Ann was at her peak of Martha Stewart-ness. The first signs were outside, where the cheerful decorations included two Christmas trees and her hand-designed and painted candy canes. Inside an oversized tree gleamed with thousands of bright lights, tinsel and hundreds of ornaments - many of which were on her family's tree when she was a girl. Ann savored unwrapping each ornament and connecting to the memories they brought.

She was also in her element in the kitchen, which she outfitted with two ovens so that she could bake dozens upon dozens of several types of Christmas cookies, a passion she loved to share with her son, whom she taught to bake. Among her specialties were Spritz cookies, which she made using her mother's cookie press.

Perfect presentation was a constant in Ann's life. Without fail, she always looked beautifully put together, from her outfits to her hair and nails. Most importantly, she never left the house without "her face on," her term for makeup.

And she always had a soft spot for her pets, whom she considered part of her family. Weeks before her death, she and Roger rescued a dog they named Daisy, very apropos, as that was Ann's favorite flower - they were prominently featured at her wedding.

By far, Ann's ultimate fulfillment and joy came from being in the company of her husband and son. Seeing their happiness and success is what made her life complete.

While her death was unexpected, her loved ones take solace in knowing she knew no pain. Her absence will remain noticeable for much time to come. Her family and friends look forward to reuniting with her in heaven, where she isn't only walking without barriers, she's running and dancing. Undoubtedly in the gorgeous high heels she always longed to wear.

Arrangements are being handled by Porter Loring North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East at Gold Canyon Drive. A visitation will be held from 2 - 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. Her memorial service will be on Monday at 6 p.m. Memories can be shared at obit.porterloring.com.